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For all faith formation options for K-Gr. 12, at our 4 churches, please click on the Faith Formation tab on the main page and then the "2017-18 Faith formation Calendar tab.

Jesus Loves Little Children – and They Love Him in Return

The Gospels all tell the story: Mothers and fathers bring their children to see Jesus. They are drawn to this man who preaches the good news of salvation; who heals the sick; who stands up for the poor, the sick, the outcasts and the women. Jesus rebukes those who are trying to keep the children at a distance. He tells them to let the children come to Him. The children are an example of innocence and purity of heart needed to get to heaven. Jesus wants us to learn from the children. The heart of a child is naturally and instinctively drawn to the person of Jesus, upon which Christianity is built. This heart is like soil which needs love, nurturing, and daily attention. When our children are baptized, the parents and godparents respond to God's call to raise faithful children with a resounding promise of "yes, I will". The most impactful formation of faith takes place at home and we will support you as you prepare a foundation of faith for your family. As we do this together, we will all be pleasantly surprised by what our children will teach us.

What is catechesis and what is a catechist?

"Catechesis" is an ancient word in the Church. It means teaching and preparing individuals for their entry and growth in the Catholic Faith. Catechists are our parish's volunteer faith formation teachers. Family involvement is the most important element at every level and our devoted and trained catechists will support you in your family faith; they will also share their faith and experience of Jesus with the children. We strive to use the most effective and age-appropriate resources we can find but it is YOU and the CATECHIST who make everything come to life for the children!

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN GRADES K, 1, 3, 4, 5 (includes SPARK) The primary weekly resource for the children is called a Gospel weekly, which comes from the Pflaum Pulbishing Group. These age-appropriate weekly lessons are based on the the Sunday Gospel.These weeklies arrive quarterly and are "hot off the press" as they also contain the latest happenings within our Catholic universal church, news feeds about Pope Francis, and stories of the lives of the saints. SPARK groups also receive additional formation/resources.

SACRAMENT PREPARATION - SPARK & FLAME Bishop Deeley has established a two-year sacrament preparation process throughout the Diocese of Maine. In our parish, the children, ages 6 and older, who register into Year 1 of this sacrament preparation are in groups called SPARK. This is a foundational year of preparation. Thosewho register into Year 2 of direct preparation for Reconciliation, Confirmation, & Eucharist are in groups called FLAME. These children have completed the Year 1 prep (SPARK). Parent/guardian and whole famiy involvement is a key feature during both years. For a full description of this 2-year process, please go to the Sacrament page on our website. The FLAME Groups use Growing Up Catholic and Pflaum sacrament resources.

MONTHLY WHOLE FAMILY FAITH FORMATION Does not replace sacrament preparation (SPARK OR FLAME) If a weekly commitment is not possible for your family, join us for our parish whole family gatherings this year. This option is available at St. Jude Church in Freeport, one Wednesday per month, 5:30-7:30 pm. It will include a pot luck supper along with a themed, interactive, faith-learning experience. We will incorporate sacred film, art, music, theater to learn about the person and life of Jesus, the traditions of our faith, and the saints. Outreach and prayer will also be components of these community gatherings.